Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

This glass paperweight, now at the Art Institute of Chicago, offers a captivating display of concentric circles of vibrant colour and intricate design. The overall effect is one of depth and complexity, as the eye is drawn into the heart of the piece through layers of meticulously arranged glass elements. Observe how the artist uses a radial composition, with patterns emanating from a central point. This structure invites an interpretation through the lens of structuralism, where the visual components can be seen as a system of signs. The symmetrical arrangement, combined with the vibrant use of colour, creates a sense of order and harmony, yet the slight variations in the individual elements disrupt any notion of perfect replication. Ultimately, this paperweight is not merely a decorative object but a meditation on order, chaos, and the intricate beauty of the natural world.